The Slot Game That Made 1,200 Millionaires w/ Jean Venneman | MaxBet Podcast
Ever wonder what it was like behind the scenes of the very first Wheel of Fortune slot machine? Spoiler: it involved a Volvo windshield motor, a string, and some serious duct tape energy. We sat down with Jean Venneman from IGT to talk about how a project they hoped would sell a few hundred units turned into a legacy that has made over 1,200 millionaires and changed the casino industry forever. Next year marks 30 years of spinning, winning, and some truly wild jackpot stories. Mike and Hillary also work through some of the worst casino advice people actually give, like why "always split tens" should probably be a jailable offense. Sponsored by IGT, powering today’s conversation (and a lot of casino floors). As always, all opinions are our own, for better or worse.
Diallo Gordon, President of Pavilion Payments, joins us to discuss how the gaming industry can better tackle fraud and improve responsible gaming through smarter payment systems. We explore the rise of payment fraud in casinos, why scammers are getting more advanced, and how operators and payment providers can benefit from working together. This episode highlights the connection between secure payments, compliance, and a better player experience. If you work in gaming or fintech, this conversation gets to the root of what needs to change.
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Dr. Brett Abarbanel on Gaming Research and UNLV’s Role in the Casino Industry | MaxBet Podcast
Dr. Brett Abarbanel from UNLV’s International Gaming Institute joins the MaxBet Podcast with dinner party facts, bold suggestions for the casino industry, and a peek at the research projects that actually get people talking. We cover the science behind dice design, how research in the gaming industry gets funded, and the success of UNLV’s student internship program connecting future talent with casino operators. She also shares how she won the biggest hand of her life with a bluff and walked away with a husband. Sparkly shoes included. This episode is for anyone who likes their data with a side of dry wit.
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Casey Gonzales (iGaming Threats and Tribal Power Moves) | MaxBet Podcast
This week, Casey Gonzales from @cdcgamingconnect joins us to unpack how tribal operators are navigating the real-world impact of iGaming and sports betting. We get into what’s at stake when 10% of your floor disappears overnight, why Oklahoma’s compact strategy is still a masterclass, and how Class II games became the industry’s quiet power move. At the end, Mike and Hillary go off-script with a very scientific breakdown of the most unnecessary slot features no one asked for — including slow-motion spins, unnecessary voiceovers, and a Dance Dance Revolution bonus round that should never see the light of day. If you’re advising, operating, or building for tribal markets, or just need a laugh, this one’s for you.
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True Persistence: An Operator’s Take w/ Oliver Shoemaker | MaxBet Podcast
This week, Oliver Shoemaker, VP of Slot Operations at Cache Creek Casino Resort, joins us to talk persistence games from the operator perspective. We get into what suppliers overlook, how these mechanics play out on the floor, and what it takes to hand a guest $1.7M in cash. If you’re building persistence games, selling them, or running a floor full of them — this one’s for you.
Whether you're deep in the game or just gaming-curious, this podcast is for you.
With Mike's million years of gaming industry experience and Hillary’s expertise in marketing to millions of players, they explore the latest trends, innovations, and insights shaping the gaming world. You'll hear from industry insiders, executives, and gaming legends, giving you a front-row seat—metaphorically, because we don’t actually know you—to the bold moves, big ideas, and behind-the-scenes stories defining the industry.
It’s a unique blend of business know-how, consumer perspective, and unfiltered commentary on what’s really happening in the gaming world.
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